Lent and Easter An Overview – Primary 1-7

General Themes The children will understand that the liturgical colour for Advent is Purple and Eastertide is white. The will all pray the Stations of the Cross at varying degrees of depth. They will all recall the stories associated at Holy Week with a different emphasis for each stage. They will celebrate Holy Mass together. All children will learn about the three Lenten traditions of alms-giving, fasting and prayer. All classes will be involved in Lenten activities surrounding these themes. All classes should be given the opportunity to prepare/create their own prayer service for Lent. Children in primaries 4-7 will be given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Primary 1 The children will understand that Lent is a special time of year for Catholics when we remember a special meal that Jesus celebrated with His disciples. (*See workbook) The children will know that Jesus died and rose again on Easter Sunday. Children show an awareness of the joy and wonder that Jesus’ friends felt when they discovered that He was risen. They will understand that as Catholics we have a duty to attend Mass on a Sunday and behave appropriately while we are in God's house. (*See planner pg 16) Children demonstrate an understanding that God loves everybody and wants us to show love to others.

Primary 2 They begin the season of Lent remembering those people in their lives who care for them and gain an understanding that there are people in the Parish who care for them also. They will understand the symbols of Baptism and their significance through the story of the Baptism of Jesus and discussing their own baptism. (*See planner pgs 13-18) The children will develop a deeper understanding of the prayer ‘Our Father’. Children demonstrate an awareness that God has given them a conscience and they are beginning to examine their conscience. The children will recall the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection with a focus on The Last Supper and how during the Eucharist at Holy Mass we are remembering this special meal. (*Easter Workbook at back of planner) Children show an awareness that, after the Resurrection, many of Jesus’ followers and friends saw Him, talked to Him, touched Him and ate with Him.

Primary 3 Children demonstrate understanding that God has given them free will and that they can pray to God to help them make good choices. The children begin preparation and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. (*Reconciliation workbook) Children will read the following parables that Jesus taught his followers: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son. They will understand that Jesus used stories to teach. Children will recall the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection while focussing on Pilate’s involvement in sentencing Jesus to death. (* See planner pages 28 – 34) While studying the resurrection  the children will demonstrate awareness of the meaning of eternal life.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Act of Sorrow O my God, I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving Others and not loving you. Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again. Amen

Primary 4 The children will know that God created the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars. They will study selected Psalms from the Bible and write their own litany of thanksgiving. They will recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection focussing on his entry into Jerusalem and its connect ion to the ‘Sanctus’ at Mass. They will learn the story of ‘Barabbas’. They will make their own Palm cross and learn its significance. (*Instructions included) They will study the resurrection focussing on Jesus’ promise at the Ascension to always be with us.

Primary 5 Begin lent discussing how God made us in His own image. They look at how different artists have portrayed God and create their own piece of artwork. Children demonstrate understanding that we can use our talents for the good of others and to grow in the likeness of God. Children demonstrate awareness that the scriptures show us the importance of friendship. They will understand what qualities are necessary for a good friendship i.e. respect, compassion, understanding, forgiveness. (*See planner pages 16-18) The children will recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection focussing on His friendship with Peter, Peter’s denial and how His close friendship with Jesus shaped the years that followed. (*Includes drama lesson pg 19-20 – assembly) The children will also focus on the role of Joseph or Aramathia in story of The Passion. (*See planner pages 27-30)

Primary 6 The children begin lent by discussing the three Lenten traditions of fasting, alms-giving and prayer. They are encouraged to take a more active role in these traditions during lent . They will research founders of religious orders to challenge and inspire them to respond to God’s call to help the poor. The children will pray the Stations of the Cross focussing on Jesus’ emotions throughout. They will show reverence, learn the associated responses and actions and be silent where appropriate. (*See planner – station matching cards) The children will recall the events of Jesus death and resurrection focussing on Maundy Thursday and the washing of the Feet and the role of Pontius Pilate. (*See final page of planner) They will learn the significance of the Pascal Candle and its symbols.

Primary 7 The children will begin with the story of the Temptation of Christ. They will discuss temptation in today’s world and how this is human struggle. (*See planner page 11) They will read from Holy Scripture the messianic prophecies from the Old Testament and understand how Jesus fulfilled them. (*See planner pages 14, 15, 16) They will recall Jesus’ death and resurrection focussing on Jesus’ turmoil in the Garden of Gethsemane. They will learn that they too can pray to God for help when faced with a moral dilemma. This series of lessons also highlights that although Jesus was divine He was also human. (*See planner pages 17 & 18) They will participate fully in the Stations of the Cross and prepare reflections to share during this service. They will read the story of ‘The Empty Tomb’ and the reaction of Jesus ‘disciples. The children will understand the word ‘sceptical’ and that things are not always as they seem. (*Optical Illusions)